A row has broken out between the MP representing Barton Stacey and the Liberal Democrats over a proposed migration camp near the village. Following a comment by the Liberal Democrats in Test Valley, which called a petition jointly started by Caroline Nokes a “populist knee-jerk reaction” to the camp, Nokes claimed that the group had “come out in support” of the proposal. The Liberal Democrats have hit back, stating their opposition to the plans and claiming that migration camps like the proposed “often become a focal point for far-right extremists.” The argument came following a comment from borough councillor Celia Dowden, of the Test Valley Liberal Democrats, who said that the party had “a duty to protect our environment, residents’ interests and the Asylum Seekers” regarding the camp, which is planned to hold up to 500 single men who are seeking asylum in the UK